Breakups are hard no matter what. Yeah you finished with themYou were brutally dumped, or even if it was a Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin-esque ‘conscious separation’, the end of a relationship always requires adjustment.
What you wear during a breakup can make or break your mood, and I know that firsthand. After weeks of living in my Pijamacrying and feeling sorry for myself, I’m finally getting over it and a wardrobe update has played a very important role in this.
According to personal stylist and image consultant Stefania Bartolomei, dressing well can help you “rebuild the confidence you need to keep going” after a breakup.
“During difficult and emotional times, wearing clothes that make us feel and look good is extremely important,” she says, adding that this can help us feel happier and more energized.
‘Would you rather look in the mirror and feel pitiful and even inferior, or look at your reflection and think ‘take it girl! Are you going to break it? I think you would like to feel that you are in control and that you can get through this difficult time.
Bartolomei’s number one rule: wearing a lot of color (aka dopamine bandage).
“Colours, especially the brighter shades and shades of yellow, orange, pink, and some shades of green and blue, trigger positive neurological responses in the brain, creating feelings of happiness, pleasure, and reward,” he says.
“That’s why, historically, after times of crisis, we see bold colors taking over the catwalks. Even now, after a pandemic and during a recession, if you look around you, color rules fashion.”
So here are some outfit ideas to help you navigate through the different stages of a breakup.
comfort is key
Immediately after separating from someone (especially if it wasn’t your decision), you may experience physical symptoms of sleepiness and changes in appetite due to increased cortisol and adrenaline levels.
This is the time to take care of yourself, rest and allow yourself to grieve.
I see the break as a mourning. After all, we are saying goodbye to a relationship, to a routine, to something and someone familiar,’ says Bartolomei.
‘We need time for acceptance. Therefore, I think it is permissible, and even necessary, to have a transition time in which we use most of comfortable clothes and stay at home, to metabolize and accept our new situation.’
That’s right, you have official permission to wallow in your softer underwear, coziest pajamas and lounge wearand loaf in your favorite robe. However, just make sure they are at least a little bit funny!
treat yourself
Retail therapy is a real thing. Well, it has worked for me anyway, and Bartolomei agrees that buy something new or renew the wardrobe it is actually ‘therapeutic’.
I used the breakup as an excuse to splurge on some quirky items that helped me see into my new single age and definitely boosted my mood.
Whether it’s a new pair of underwearsome jeweler’s or some designer shoeschoose something that wears you down and brings you joy.
Whether it’s a new pair of underwear, some jewelry, or some designer shoes, choose something that will wear you down and bring you joy.
dress for work
Dress codes in the workplace vary, but think about how you can enhance your usual outfits. Why not try a wide leather belt from Arket?
You probably spend most of your daily life at work, so it’s important change your work wardrobe and think a little more about what you will wear to go to the office to improve your mood.
Dress codes in the workplace vary, but think about how you can enhance your usual outfits.
For example, if you normally use trainers and Cowboyscould you elevate this to some dress pants and moccasins? How about wearing a printed midi dress and flats, or a silk midi skirt and knitwear? Don’t be afraid to add a little color to the mix, either.
girls night
Pictured: The chic blue one-shoulder minidress, perfect for a night out with the girls after the breakup
Sometimes all you need is a night out with your besties, which you can enjoy with the metallic green double platform sandals from the Truffle Collection at Asos.
Sometimes all you need is a going out at night with your best friends, and that is the perfect excuse to dress to the nines. My favorite girls’ night out outfit? TO Prom Dress, heelsand cute accessories of course.
revenge bandage
we all know that Princess Diana was the queen of revenge wearingbut it’s time to put your own spin on it.
The main goal of dressing for revenge is supposed to be to show your ex what they’re missing, but really, it’s more important to make yourself feel as amazing as possible.
“For some people, this means wearing heels, sequins and form-fitting clothing, for others, sneakers or combat boots and leggings,” says Bartolemi.
“It’s not what we wear, really, but how we wear our clothes that makes the difference.
At the same time, having an awareness about what works for us is key: from colors to fabrics, shapes and styles.’
The two together are a win-win combination.
